RISMEDIA, March 11, 2010—The National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) announced the appointment of Alex Chaparro, a Chicago-based independent real estate broker, as the 2010-2011 chairman of one of the nation’s fastest growing trade associations for Hispanic real estate professionals. Chaparro, who has held various leadership posts within the group since joining it in 2004, previously served as NAHREP’s vice chair. Carmen Mercado, a Long Island, NY-based education and diversity-training manager, succeeds Chaparro as vice chairman. The pair was officially sworn in during NAHREP’s annual legislative conference, held jointly with the Asian Real Estate Association of America and the National Association of Real Estate Brokers.
“Alex Chaparro is part of a movement of young NAHREP leaders that will carry the message of our group and the important role it must play in the housing recovery,” said outgoing Chair Tino Diaz. “Alex is a strong leader and communicator in business, matters of policy and social media. His passion and advocacy will propel NAHREP to new heights.
Chaparro became an active member of NAHREP in 2003 with leadership roles on NAHREP Chicago’s local board. In 2005, he was appointed to NAHREP’s National Board of Directors and has successfully served on legislative policy and executive leadership committees. In 2006, Chaparro became the first Latino to be appointed as president of the 124-year-old Chicago Association of Realtors. That same year, Hispanic Business Magazine named him among the nation’s Top 100 Most Influential Hispanics in business.
Carmen Mercado, a Long Island, New York-based broker, is a training and diversity manager for Coldwell Banker Brokerage. She is past president and co-founder of the NAHREP NYC chapter and has served in national leadership roles on the National Board of Directors and the Executive Committee as well as Communications and Event committees. A passionate advocate for the Latino community, Mercado has served as a volunteer home buyer educator through work with local nonprofits. She has also actively volunteered in English as a Second Language programs at local schools.
Chaparro and Mercado will serve one-year terms in the current roles.
For more information, visit www.nahrep.org.